New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-08-05
IN LGNORLE .SURRENDER.

The Administration was anxious last win
ter to prevent legislation for the protection
of American fishermen. 1t was fully COM
mitted by the action Of the State Department
to the policy Of negotiating new treaty or OF
submitting the questions in dispute to Joint
Commission for arbitra ion. 1t did not wish
to be armed with ample powers Of protecting
tho interests of the fishermen; but Congress
declined to be influenced by it and passed the
Retaliation act. The Admin stratiou then
lerceived that if there should be recurrence
of outrages on the Dominion scaboard and it
should neglect to enforce the act, it would be
held responsible for its igroble policy OF in
action; but il, on the other hand. it should
make uso OF the powers conferred by Con-
gress, the interests Of large commercial classes
in the North would suffer. 1t did not wish to
assume the responsibility of enforcing the act,
nor Of neglecting to do so if the wanton
policy of the Canadian Gov ernmcnt should be
removed. In sheer desperation it resolved
to do everything in it, power to prevent tho
recurrence Of seizures. fnfcitarcs and similar
outrages in Canadian poros. IL sent Admiral
Luce with naval squadron to the fishing
grounds. conference with Ca tain Scott
Of the Royal Navy followed the extreme dc
mands of the Canadian authorities were asccr-
tanned; and United States mcn-of-war arc
now scurrying about the fishing banks and
warning American vessels against crossing
the threc-mile line and entering Canadian
haibors under penalty of capture, heavy fines
and forfeiture.
Apparently the President is preparing to
meet Congress with congratulations upon tho
maintenance OF peace on the frontier and the
fortuitous circumstances VIII Oh have enabled
him TO dispense with tho II taliation act. I'm
fortunately for him, there are glelt many
patriotic Americans who share The TRiB-
USE's apprchcnsions that 1T Will be peace
with dishonor. For example, Mr.. Spohord,
an old-fashoned Democrat, condemns Admiral
Luccs tactics as unworthy OF the dignity OF
the Government. According to his view OF
the case. the Admiral has accepted the dictum
of tho captain Of the Canadian coast guard
that American fishermen have no rights, and
is cooperating with him In dcpnving them
of lawful privileges. Judge Woodbury., speak
ing for the fishing interest, declares that Ad-
miral Luce has surrendered the strong case
made out by Secretary Bayard and MIR. Phelps
on behalf of American rights. In the dlplo-
matte correspondence it has been held that
American vessels have the right to enter Can
adian D rts for the purchase OF supplies, tho
shipm mt of fish in bond, and other CONNER
cial privileges; and tho Adm raj is coolly
warning the fleet against the exercise OF thoso
rights. When Congress meets the President
will find a strong force Of pubic opinion
arrayed against his ignoLle and cowartly pol
lev of peace with dishonor.
Congress empowered the President to en-
force the Retaliation act when Yer he should
he satisfied that American Fl hermcn In Can
adam waters were denied pnyi cgcs secured
to them by treaty or law, or were "unJustly
vexed or harasscd in the enjoyment OF such
rights" or were sub ccted to unreasonable
restrictions regulations or requirements In
respect of such rights or were not allowed
to touch and trade and to purchase supplies,
or were denied any of the Liberties accorded
TO the vessels Of the most favored nation.
CAPTAIN SCOTS official answers to Admiral
Lucc's questions involve all the condit ons
under which the Reta iation act was intended
to be enforced. Instead Of complying with
the will Of Congress, the Administration al
lows Admiral Luce to frighten American
fishermen out OF Canadian port and to assure
them that they have no rights which their own
Government is bound to protect.